Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Return on investment (ROI) of MotoGP Racing Teams
No full textThis thesis investigates the Return on Investment (ROI) of MotoGP Racing Teams, merging a passion for finance and motorsports with a lifelong interest in MotoGP. The sport features prototype bikes that embody the cutting edge of motorcycle technology and performance, earning it the title of the pinnacle of two-wheel racing. The study evaluates the financial implications of MotoGP, a globally popular motorsport, to understand the true financial ramifications of racing. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from MotoGP websites, company financials, and interviews with industry experts. The analysis reveals significant insights into revenue streams, operational costs, and the profitability of both factory and satellite MotoGP teams. Findings indicate that while high rider salaries and sustainable fuel initiatives pose financial challenges, strategic investments and competitive performance can enhance fiscal sustainability. The study also explores the financial impact of upcoming regulatory changes, including engine size reduction and the shift to sustainable fuels. The thesis concludes with possibilities for improving financial performance and discusses future trends. Conversion rates used are as follows: USD/EUR 0.90, EUR/USD 1.10
Can we do without absolute goodness?
No full textRecent work by Richard Kraut and Nandi Theunissen calls into question the existence of goodness as a property. In its place, they argue for goodness as a relation, claiming that all goodness claims are reducible to (or, explicable by) goodness-for claims. In place of absolute goodness, they pose non-instrumental good-fors as the foundation of goodness. In this paper, I argue that their structure of value has serious problems in treating the goodness-for relation as the foundation of goodness. I maintain that their arguments either lead to vicious circular reasoning, or a disguised notion of absolute goodness. Further, I return to G.E. Moore, a proponent of absolute goodness, in order to see if his structure of goodness can withstand the objections levied against him by the good-for theorists. G.E. Moore is capable of responding to their objections as well as having a metaphysically stronger and more flexible account of goodness
Copying the dragon: A study of Brucesploitation cinema
No full textBrucesploitation is a loosely connected cycle of films that emerged following Bruce Lee’s death in 1973. These works, often dismissed as exploitative knock-offs, serve as a revealing archive of transnational film production, star image repetition, and ideological circulation. This project investigates the cycle’s visual and narrative patterns and how they reflect shifting cultural fantasies, racial politics, and industrial strategies. Chapter One situates Brucesploitation within the history of exploitation cinema and articulates the commercial and mythic forces that shaped Bruce Lee’s star persona. Chapter Two turns to the visual field of credit sequences, film posters, comics, and the films of Jim Kelly to propose an intersectional visual politics of cross-racial iconography that both reflects and reimagines political solidarity within this field. Chapter Three applies Lacanian and Marxist ideology critique, particularly via Slavoj Žižek, to the Bruce Lee biopic and clone films, arguing that they operate as symptomatic responses to cultural loss, commodity fetishism, and the desire to resurrect a figure that resists closure. Chapter Four explores how digital replication and symbolic fragmentation have transformed Lee into a posthuman, global icon who hauntologically persists the internet media landscape. By centering this historically marginalized body of media, this dissertation contributes to scholarship in film studies, star studies, postcolonial theory, and cultural studies, while offering a new framework for understanding mimicry, commodification, and the politics of visual repetition in global media
Recycled fiberglass performance in light oil well cement
No full textThe energy sector faces two major challenges: managing composite waste from decommissioned wind turbine blades and addressing the limitations of traditional oil well cement. Wind turbine blades, which typically reach end-of-life after 20–25 years of service, are made of fiberglass-reinforced composites that are difficult to recycle and increasingly landfilled, with waste expected to exceed 2.2 million metric tons in the U.S. and 43 million metric tons globally by 2050. In parallel, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) remains the standard for well cementing but exhibits mechanical and durability limitations under subsurface conditions. Failures often stem from poor slurry design, improper placement, subsurface conditions, and operational stresses.
This study evaluates recycled Windmill fiberglass (WFG), mechanically extracted from decommissioned wind turbine blades, as a functional reinforcement additive for OPC-based slurries. The performance of WFG was benchmarked against commercial I-glass and E-glass fibers. Fiberglass samples were subjected to controlled mechanical grinding and analyzed via Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) to determine particle sizes. Structural morphology and elemental composition were assessed using SEM, EDS, and TEM. Centrifugation testing confirmed the presence of residual resin in WFG, absent in the commercial grades. EDS spectra showed elevated carbon content in WFG, attributable to residual resin and possible hybrid fiber architecture from the original blade design.
Cement slurries (12.8–13.5ppg) were prepared and tested per API 10A/ISO 10426-1:2000. Fresh-state tests included rheology and fluid loss, while 28-day cured cement samples (at 40°C in pH 12 solution) were evaluated for UCS, Young’s Modulus, and tensile strength. Cement modified with fiberglass recovered from wind turbine blades demonstrated notable improvements in rheological behavior, fluid loss control, and mechanical strength. In contrast, while commercial-grade glass fibers contributed to mechanical enhancement, they could not deliver similar advancements in rheological characteristics. Overall, the results highlight the role of fiber source and particle size in optimizing cement performance. This study proposes a dual solution approach—enhancing wellbore cement performance while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns through the repurposing of end-of-life composite waste
Development of oral fluid toxicology screening methodologies used to compare commercial and non-commercial driver populations
No full textDevelopment of a rapid, simple extraction method followed by qualitative screening using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for drugs in oral fluid is presented. The decision points were selected to be at, or lower, than those recommended as Tier I compounds by the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division (NSC-ADID) for toxicological investigation of driving under the influence of drugs cases (DUID) and were also at, or lower, than those recommended by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) for Federal workplace drug testing programs. In response to the NSC-ADID Tier II recommendations a method for analysis by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) for drugs in oral fluid collected with the Quantisal™ device has been developed. The decision point cut-off concentrations were at, or below, those recommended toxicological investigation of driving under the influence of drugs cases. The supporting mass spectral-based screening library was adapted from commercially available databases and in-house development included Tier I and II recommended compounds. In 2024, a drug prevalence roadside survey was performed in the Yukon territory of Canada. Volunteers operating motor vehicles on Wednesday through Saturday nights during the months of June through August were asked to donate oral fluid samples and participate in a quick questionnaire of past and present drug use. Samples were collected from 294 non-commercial drivers and 220 commercial drivers. Oral fluid sample collection was chosen as the preferred sample matrix due to the ease of collection for the donor. Drugs in oral fluid are indicative of those compounds circulating in the blood at the time of collection. Drugs are deposited in oral fluid by diffusion from blood or coating the oral mucosa. Studies have shown similar drug class results when oral fluid and blood are compared (Kelley-Baker, 2014). Oral fluid samples were tested using both qualitative screening methods and later confirmed by drug class specific LC-MS/MS analysis. Results highlight the need for more comprehensive DUID testing with drug positivity rates increasing from 16% to 25% in both commercial and non-commercial drivers
Development of airfoil geometry for improved performance with a passive variable-pitch aircraft propeller
No full textThis thesis presents the evaluation of airfoil geometry on a passive variable-pitch propeller designed to enhance aerodynamic performance across a wide range of operating conditions. Conventional fixed-pitch propellers suffer from reduced propeller efficiency in off-design conditions due to aerodynamic losses. The passive variable-pitch propeller examined in this paper is a propeller in which the pitch varies based on operating conditions, such that the spanwise blade elements adjust to local flow properties due to aerodynamic twisting. The primary objective of this research is to analyze how variations in airfoil geometry such as camber, thickness, reflex, and the placement of these features influence the performance of a passive variable-pitch propeller. The study further explores the feasible design space defined by airfoil characteristics and operational parameters to identify configurations for enhancing propeller performance. Finally, this research aims to establish a structured computational workflow that integrates analytical and numerical tools to refined propeller geometry, ensuring reliable performance improvements while minimizing aerodynamic penalties during off design operation. This study employed both analytical and numerical approaches to investigate the effects of airfoil geometry on propeller efficiency, using Blade Element Momentum Theory for analytical calculations and numerical analysis using Star-CCM+. The baseline aircraft propeller had an 18-inch diameter propeller and operated in a freestream velocity range of 20 ft/s to 180 ft/s, with a rotational speed of 8000 RPM. Results indicate significant improvement in propeller operating range compared to a series of fixed-pitched propellers. For comparison, a single passive variable-pitch propeller was compared to four distinct fixed-pitch propellers to evaluate its operating range. Observations show that the passive variable-pitch propeller has a comparable propeller efficiency for any given operating condition, while also providing a comparable operating range to the four fixed-pitch propellers combined. At the cost of lower thrust coefficient compared to each individual fixed-pitch propeller, the passive variable-pitch design offers a wider efficiency range across operating conditions, achieving operating performance comparable to an actively controlled variable-pitch system. However, the effectiveness of passive aerodynamic twisting remains limited in practice due to the relatively low aerodynamic moments available to induce blade deformation for meaningful pitch change. These findings demonstrate the potential for passive variable-pitch propellers to expand the operating envelope of small aircraft and UAVs by improving adaptability across diverse flight conditions. Nevertheless, practical challenges such as designing a blade with enough torsional compliance while maintaining structural integrity, accurately predicting aeroelastic behavior, and manufacturing blades with the required bend twist coupling must still be addressed before this concept can be fully applied in real-world applications
Case study on systems conditions that influence Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) implementation
No full textThis qualitative case study explored systems conditions for successful Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) implementation in a school district. Guided by systems theory, findings highlighted the importance of readiness, relevance, and relationships, emphasizing staff preparedness, aligned success criteria, and healthy relationships based on mutual trust and respect
AI, disinformation, and democracy in Malaysia
No full textThis paper examines the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), disinformation, and democracy in Malaysia, focusing on how regulatory frameworks and institutional responses are adapting to emerging digital challenges. Malaysia’s experience with disinformation has been shaped by a history of restrictive legislation—such as the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 and the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021—whose broad definitions and political use raised serious concerns over free expression. Although both were repealed, similar dynamics persist under long-standing statutes like the Sedition Act, Defamation Act, and Communications and Multimedia Act, which continue to influence information governance. Against this backdrop, the rapid growth of generative and predictive AI has complicated the landscape, prompting the introduction of forward-looking measures including the National AI Roadmap (2021–2025), the National Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics (2024), amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act (2024), and proposed laws such as the Cyber Security Act and Online Safety Bill.
These initiatives reflect Malaysia’s intent to balance innovation with accountability and privacy, yet they also reveal persistent fragmentation and overlapping mandates across agencies. Complementary interventions by civil society and the media—such as Sebenarnya.my, MyCheck Malaysia, and JomCheck—have improved fact-checking and media literacy, though challenges remain in ensuring independence, sustainability, and AI literacy. The paper argues that Malaysia’s regulatory trajectory illustrates both progress and tension: efforts to safeguard national security and public order risk encroaching on democratic freedoms if not carefully implemented. Strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration, consolidating existing laws, and embedding AI literacy into media education are critical steps toward building a more resilient and democratic information ecosystem in the age of artificial intelligence.Peer reviewedMedia and Strategic Communication
Microsatellite loci support recent speciation of Ambylomma maculatum s.l., Koch, 1944 (Acari: Ixodidae) morphotypes II and III
No full textIn the United States, the Amblyomma maculatum sensu lato (s.l.) group is represented by two, distinct allopatric clusters of hard ticks identified as morphotype II in the eastern US and morphotype III in the southwestern states. Previous studies have shown that the two entities have evolved very recently from a common ancestor, are morphologically distinguishable in the adult stage, and are reproductively incompatible. Because of the recent divergence of the two morphotypes, gene sequences usually analyzed for a phylogenetic species definition are insufficiently informative to assign them to separate species. Microsatellite loci are predominantly non-coding sequences, selectively neutral, and usually have higher mutation rates than mitochondrial and coding nuclear gene sequences. An estimate of their divergence time based on the analysis of 8 previously developed microsatellite loci confirmed the recent speciation hypothesis, dating the radiation to approx. 230-460 years ago. A strong bottleneck signature suggests the establishment of these populations after a 1000-fold reduction in the population size of origin.Entomology and Plant Patholog